The actress will be taking a six-month break from her role as Janine Butcher later this year, and she is planning to take a road trip around Europe with her young daughter Kiki during her Albert Square absence.
© Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
© BBC
Brooks told TV Times: "I wanted some breathing space, really. It took a little bit of begging, but I got there in the end. I realise how lucky I am to be able to take a six-month break and still have a job to go back to.
"It's been a busy three years and I want to do some other work and spend time with my daughter."
Discussing her road trip plans, she continued: "I haven't organised the itinerary yet, but we definitely want to go to Rome and Paris. It'll be just us two and she'll be a brilliant travel companion. It will be so nice to spend all that time with her.
"I'm like every working mother in that I feel guilty when work is busy and I'm not at home as much as I'd like to be. It's usually a case of grabbing the time when you can, so this holiday will be a special time for both of us - something we'll remember for the rest of our lives."
EastEnders fans will see an important moment for Janine next week as her wedding day arrives.
